Priceline Hotel: Boston - May 14-16 Near T and Freedom Trail

[Howard Frazier]

I'm flying into Boston at 8PM on May 14. I want to spend a couple of days (May 15 and 16) exploring around and walking the 'Freedom Trail' before I take a commuter train north to Rockport. I'd like a 3.5, or 4 star hotel that is very close to a T stop so I don't have to rent a car. Also, after I check out on May 16, I'd like to be able to leave my luggage at the hotel so I can pick it up later in the day when I take a train from North Station to Rockport.

I don't have any other requirements so I assume that I'll get the best deal if I wait until I'm much closer to my departure date. I'd like to spend no more than $85 per night so I assume that could only happen if I wait until the last minute to bid and then probably only if there are no events in town that raise the occupancy rate for that period.

I'm looking for advice and input on two issues:

• What areas would satisfy my requirement for 'close to a T stop'
  
• Am I likely to get a $85 rate in that area - when should I start bidding
  

Thanks for any help you can offer me.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Please start by reading your messages.

I'd like a 3.5, or 4 star hotel that is very close to a T stop...

There is box to check to restrict your options to a 'hotel

near a T-stop'... you have to be able to accept any hotel in the zone at the minimum star level you choose. With this noted Boston isn't that large and i would think you'd likely be centrally located with any 3.5* or higher rated hotel in the Copley Square or Quincy Market zones... even the Waterfront zone is near the Silver line which can take you to other T stops (and is a 15-20 minute walk to a major T-station if that's not too far for you to walk).

Also, after I check out on May 16, I'd like to be able to leave my luggage at the hotel so I can pick it up later in the day when I take a train from North Station to Rockport.

Most hotels offer this service, but again, no guarantees as it's not a requirement for a hotel to participate with PRICELINE or HOTWIRE.

I assume that I'll get the best deal if I wait until I'm much closer to my departure date. I'd like to spend no more than $85 per night so I assume that could only happen if I wait until the last minute to bid...

Not necessarily... see the related link in our PRICELINE FAQ.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[Howard Frazier]

Sure, I know that "near the T stop" and "can hold luggage" aren't selectable options. I just wanted to provide some of the details of my preferences in case it made a difference in what area or what * level would be most likely to accommodate those requests. I've since changed my plans so that I'm only staying one night, May 14/15 rather than two.

I've been bidding daily in the $85 to $100 range for rooms in either the Quincy Market - Faneuil Hall - Financial or Harbor Front areas and star levels between 4 and 3. So far no success, but daily I get "bid alerts" from Priceline advising me that winning bids for those areas in the $85 to $95 range have occurred. I checked for any major or substantial events during those dates and found none. Also, the discounts on Hotwire and lastminute travel sites would indicate that occupancy rates are not unusually high ('normal' discounts being offered).

I do have a 'backup' reservation at the Courtyard Marriott on Fremont (using points), but the reviews aren't very good so I'm still trying for a great deal on a 4*.

My bidding strategy has been:

4* Quincy Market - Faneuil Hall - Financial $95

4* Quincy Market - Faneuil Hall - Financial + Harbor Front $95

3.5* same locations $90

3* same locations $85

Any suggestions to improve my chances for success?

[thereuare]

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.